Jamaican born and Harbour View FC bred goalkeeper Ryan “Godda” Thompson will have his crowning moment when he starts for Irish champions Shamrock Rovers against Danish outfit FC Copenhagen in a second round match of the UEFA Champions League today.
The former Jamaica Under-20 custodian said he is delighted that his career is on the up, and he being selected to play in such a big game is testimony that with hard work all things are possible.
“I’m feeling very optimistic about my future at the moment,” Thompson said. “I have been in a number of environments, like the Jamaican national team, University of Tampa, Bradenton Academics and Portland Phoenix and have performed consistently at every place I’ve been. I know it was just a matter of time until the right set of people recognise my talent and give me the opportunity,” he said.
“I’m having a great experience here,” Thompson said via e-mail. “Coming in at the end of the season where everyone is fully focused on winning the league championship, there can be no better challenge or experience for me. The challenge is to try and impress the coach at a time when he is fully focusing his energy on the team,” he added.
Born in one of Kingston’s tough inner-city communities, the Jamaican noted that his time playing at various levels in the USA has helped him to hone his skills.
During his stint at the NCAA Division Two powerhouse the University of Tampa, he was named Sunshine State Conference Defensive Player of the Year in both his junior and senior seasons. He was also named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s All-America First Team.
It was only a matter of time, it seemed, before the talented Thompson exploded onto the professional circuit. It was his destiny. Still waiting for a full professional contract, he took an offer from the Phoenix to play during the summer, and as it turned out, it was the best move he could have made.
“I do believe I became a better player during my time with Portland,” he said. “I also got great coaching from Paul Baber and my teammates were very competitive (and that helped me to be better),” Thompson added.
There were five goalkeepers working out for the Phoenix at the time, including current University of Cincinnati senior Matt Williams. But Thompson’s quality stood out, and before long, he secured a trial with Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution, before moving to Ireland.
The 25-year-old recalls his mother’s words of encouragement as he pursues his football dreams.
“One thing my mom has taught me is that God has placed a dream in my heart and if I focus all my energy and effort, I will live to see my dream come true,” Thompson noted.